43 arrested in western Kansas narcotics operation

Authorities say 43 people have been arrested following a narcotics investigation in western Kansas.

The KBI, Dodge City police, the Ford County Sheriff's Office and the county attorney completed their lengthy investigation on Thursday. The Dodge City Police Department says 38 arrest warrants were issued for charges including possession of meth with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of marijuana and aggravated child endangerment.

The operation resulted in the arrests of 43 people who were booked into the Ford County jail.

"The operation represents a coordinated law enforcement response to combating drug violence and reducing the accessibility of illegal drugs in our communities," Dodge City police said on Facebook. "Communities impacted by the operation include: the City of Bucklin, the City of Ford and the City of Dodge City."

Last year, more than 40 people were arrested following a months-long narcotics investigation in northwest Kansas. More on that story here

Officer Brian Arterburn was run over by a Chevy Tahoe stolen from Eddy's Chevrolet Cadillac at 8801 E Kellogg Dr, on December 16, 2016. It wasn't reported stolen until after Arterburn was hit on February 7, 2017.